Advocate Editorial Board opinion: For graduates, life truly begins when you leave school

By the Advocate Editorial Board
May 19, 2014 at 12:19 a.m.

The gowns were donned, the mortarboards were thrown, and a new group of college and university graduates have stepped out on their first steps into the working world.

Both Victoria College and the University of Houston-Victoria had their graduation ceremonies May 10. Victoria College saw almost 400 students walk the stage at the Victoria Fine Arts Center. UHV held two ceremonies at Faith Family Church. Graduates from the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education and Human Development took part in a 9 a.m. ceremony, while members of the School of Business Administration and the School of Nursing graduated at 1 p.m.

For the University of Houston-Victoria, this graduating class included seven students from its first freshman class in 2010. From the original class of 218 students, one graduated last summer, four graduated in December and 49 are still enrolled and working toward their degrees. This is an exciting time for the university as the graduates from that first freshman class find their way to a new beginning outside the safety and security of the classroom.

We applaud all of the college and university graduates in our area. Victoria College and UHV are strong institutions that have served their students and the community well for years. Now that graduation is past, we wish each of the men and women who received their degrees the best as they start out on their new plans for life. Earning a degree is not an easy task. It is a feat that requires dedication and hard work, and we are proud to see so many people have been successful in their endeavors.

A degree is a tool that can lead to a better life. Now, with their degrees in hand, it is time for these graduates to step out into the working world and put all the knowledge they have gained into practice.

In addition to these graduations, Victoria's two high schools - East and West - will also see the graduation of their first freshmen classes in June. These students were the first to start their high school education at the new schools as freshmen and was one of the original groups of students who helped establish the traditions of each campus for all the future graduating classes.

Much like a college degree, a high school diploma is an important tool and a stepping stone on the road to a better career. We applaud all of the students who worked hard and made it to this crucial step in life. But remember, this is just another step in the journey of life. Your success doesn't stop here. This is just the beginning - the setup for what is to come. We wish you the best as you take your next steps. Remember to always look ahead toward bigger and better things.

There is life outside of the classroom. Now that you are there, make the most of it.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.